“Being in Havana, which welcomed us with hospitality, we have the sublime opportunity to defend the pressing need to put an immediate end to the unjust and inhuman economic blockade imposed on Cuba,” Lourenço said.

He also pointed out that Washington’s blockade is contrary to the principles of trade and international cooperation, as well as to the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination over their own destiny.

Lourenço, speaking at the Summit goal-oriented to the Current Challenges of Development: the role of science, technology and innovation, reaffirmed his country´s strong support for Cuba as G77+China rotating presidency, as well as his conviction that all nations will contribute together to strengthening the bloc.

The Angolan leader doubled down on working hard to strengthen the Group´s unity and solidarity, with the purpose of achieving the promotion of a common development agenda.

Lourenço stated the Summit is being held at a time of profound inequalities, where developing nations are presently facing up a huge impact of multiple global challenges, by conditioning their actions and prospects for solving issues to reach full implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

He explained the international scenario shows a worsening of geopolitical tensions and conflicts, application of unilateral coercive measures, increased extreme poverty and the growth of foreign debt.

Ahead of such challenges, Lourenço added, we must be committed to work within the G77+China, under the principles of unity, complementarity, cooperation and solidarity, which define them as a bloc.

pll/lam/kmg